Connecticut western news., 1887-11-30
A Romance of the Rail,
GERTRUDE PRESCOTT THOMPSON.

GERTRUDE PRESCOTT THOMPSON.
 It was on the Pan Handle railroad in January, 1863, and the train was run ming from Cincinnati to Chicago. I got on board at Newcastle, Ind. Entering car in the middle of the train I seated myself about third way down on the right and was soon busy studying the passengers. Presently my mind was attracted by little girl, apparently about eight years of age, who sat in the seat in front of me. Beside her sat a young lady, seemingly 20 years of age, rosy cheeks, laughing eyes and sweet and gentle voice. These points I noted in her animated conversation with the little one, who was evidently her sister.
 Carrie, the little girl, had one of those toy telegraphic "tickers," and she was having high time with it, regardless of the ominous looks and frowns of an old maid, who sat few seats front, on the other side. As she continued her sport, alternately ticking her machine, then suddenly darting to an unoccupied seat and ingratiating herself into the good graces of the being who might be occupying the other end, she became quite we'll acquainted, during the long trip, with the whole car, the aforesaid old maid excepted.
 During the course of her meanderinga she spied vacant seat in the rear of the one she occupied and flew to it, ticker in hand The other occupant of the seat was young man who had been interestedly watching the frolics of the happy darling, and he immediately began conversation with her, which resulted in his obtaining possession of the ticker.
 Placing the ticker on the sill, that it might more closely resemble a true telegraph machine, he began to form the letters of the alphabet. As the sound fell on my ears, noticed with surprise that the attention of the young lady in front of him was also cen tired in the sounds produced by the operator.
 listened, Chow could I help it; everybody heard it,) and by and by recognized words, carefully spelled. Soon he framed sentence. It was, "Going home9" What could he mean by that7 He looked toward the young lady; she nodded her head in affirma- tion of the telegraphed query. Could it be he was talking with her2 Soon, came again from the machine, carelessly spelt this time, apparently to mislead those who were able to understand, "Is your father the same as ever2' another nod. It must be. He was talking tc her. What could I dol It was wrong to play the eavesdropper, but if people will talk out loud in your presence, are you to blame for hearing2
 It was soon apparent that the youn man, the young lady and myself were the only ones in the cars who un- derstood the mystic signs ot the electric wire and, swallowing my scruples, l lay back and prepared to listen The conversation consisted of just sucl talk as might pass between acquaint, ances who had not met for about si1 months, although it was confined mostly to him, as her share consisted of guard ed mods or shakes of tho head. H. asked for her health; her family's, ant finally touched on a matter which tn, scribe could not we'll fathom, but, iron the color of the lady's face and her i'm patient mods, judged it was unpleasant or, at least, disagreeable. Then h wound up by telegraphing: q must ge out here; this is my home."
 "Log'nsp'tr' the brakeman shouted and the young man disappeared.
 As soon as the train was under wa, again, Carrie began again her wander ings, and this time seated herself be side me. Being fond of children, talked with her on one subject ant another, when it occurred to me to hay little fun with the ticker. Procurin it of the little one, I asked:
 "Do you know how to telegraph2'
 "No, sir."
 
 s'Would you like to take lesson9"
 'sYes, sir! Sister has tried to teac me, but can't learn, somehow"
 Nevertheless, began the lesson.
 first made a, then b, then c, then spe "C-a-r-r-ie," telling her as went alon what letters I was making. So CT grossed was I that I did not notice pair of lustrous gray eyes and fiamin cheeks over in the seat in front, until heard voice of silvery sweetness say
 stExcuse me, please, sir, but do 70 understand the telegraph2'
 tt1 holfev0 nm sufficientlv acouainte